Over 20 police officers are investigating the case of a young woman who was knocked to the ground, tied up and sexually assaulted while jogging near a Dunedin reservoir.
Ross Creek Reservoir is surrounded by a public reserve including walking and jogging tracks. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The 23-year-old was attacked by a man in the Ross Creek Reserve, north of the city, about 9pm on Monday.
Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
Lead detective Kallum Croudis said the woman was running up a steep zigzag track when she was sexually assaulted.
She was able to free herself and raise the alarm, he said.
The police had a number of leads on her attacker but had not identified him yet.
A police statement earlier today said the man ran off after a light-coloured dog, possibly a labrador, ran up to them.
A team of more than 20 detectives and uniformed staff members were involved in the investigation, it said.
The police were looking to hear from anyone who might have seen a tall European man in the area between 7pm and 10pm.
He was believed to have been wearing black shoes, a black t-shirt, and a pair of black 'Skins' with white writing.
The main entrances to the reserve have been cordoned off for a police search. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
The main entrances to the reserve have been cordoned off as the police search the scene.
Officers have spoken to the owner of a dog that was in the area at the time, but were still keen to speak with anyone else walking a light-coloured dog in the area about 9pm.
Those with information can pass it on to the team by calling the Dunedin Central Police Station on 03 471 4800 and asking for Detective Sergeant John McDade, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
